Legislators Return for Special Session on Lawsuits

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Legislature is meeting for a special session to address changes to the way civil lawsuits are handled in the state.

The House and Senate convened shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday for the first special session since 2006. It is the first time Republican Gov. Mary Fallin has called a special session.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate say they will need at least five days to pass bills through both chambers.

A special session costs the state about $30,000 each day for session-only staff and travel and lodging reimbursement for members, but House Speaker T.W. Shannon said some session staff won't be returning.

Fallin requested the special session after the Oklahoma Supreme Court in June threw out a comprehensive 2009 lawsuit reform bill.